Abstract
We present an efficient algorithm for worst-case limit kinematic tolerance analysis of planar kinematic pairs with multiple contacts. The algorithm extends computer-aided kinematic tolerance analysis from mechanisms in which parts interact through permanent contacts to mechanisms in which different parts or part features interact at different stages of the work cycle. Given a parametric model of a pair and the range of variation of the parameters, it constructs parametric kinematic models for the contacts, computes the configurations in which each contact occurs, and derives the sensitivity of the kinematic variation to the parameters. The algorithm also derives qualitative variations, such as under-cutting, interference, and jamming. We demonstrate the algorithm on a 26 parameter model of a Geneva mechanism.